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Mancos milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus humillimus

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: NM (Mancos milkvetch)

       

Astragalus humillimus: Mancos Milkvetch

Astragalus humillimus, commonly known as Mancos milkvetch, is a rare and endangered plant found in specific regions of the southwestern United States.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a subshrub, meaning it may have woody parts.
  • The Mancos milkvetch can be spiny as it has persistent, spiny leaf stalks.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is a subshrub, meaning it may have woody parts.
  • The Mancos milkvetch can be spiny as it has persistent, spiny leaf stalks.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus humillimus A. Gray
  • Family: Fabaceae (Bean Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Phaca humillima
    • Tragacantha humillima

Common Names

  • Mancos milkvetch
  • Milkvetch (general term for many Astragalus species)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in southwestern Colorado (Montezuma County) and New Mexico, specifically in San Juan County.
  • Grows on sandstone ledges in pinyon/juniper habitats.
  • Often found on exposed, layered rock of the Cretaceous Mancos Shale.

Ecological Role

  • The Mancos milkvetch is on the U.S. Endangered Species List and is classified as endangered in Colorado and New Mexico.
  • Protected as endangered under the ESA (Endangered Species Act) and NESA (New Mexico Endangered Species Act).

Morphological Characteristics

  • Diminutive, tufted perennial forming clumps.
  • Clumps can grow up to 30 cm (approximately 1 foot) across.
  • Stems are up to 1 cm.
  • It's a subshrub/forb/herb type of plant with a perennial duration.
  • Persistent spiny leaf stalks.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It shares habitat with other rare plants, such as the Mesa Verde cactus and Knowlton miniature cactus.
  • Its conservation is considered in relation to other endangered species, such as the razorback sucker.

Further Information

  • USDA NRCS Colorado Plant Fact Sheet
  • ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System): TSN 25539
  • New Mexico Rare Plant Technical Council (NMRPTC) online fact sheet (http://nnhp.nndfw.org/)
  • Dave's Garden (online gardening community)
  • The Arboretum at Flagstaff